Ah, Small Business Saturday—a day for the memes, the “Shop Small” signs, and the warm, fuzzy feeling of supporting your local businesses. But what happens when the signs come down, the memes fade, and we go back to the siren song of one-click shopping on Amazon? Sure, Jeff Bezos was once a scrappy small business owner, too. But unless he’s slinging Chef-made culinary soy candles at the farmers' market in 105 degree temps, we might want to focus on the folks around us who are still in the trenches.
The Pandemic Boom and Bust
Remember the pandemic? (I know, we’d all rather not.) Back then, every second person was starting a business to stave off boredom and insanity. Bread bakers, tie-dye makers, candle creators—if you didn’t have a side hustle, were you even locked down?
But as the world reopened, so did the doors to convenience. Suddenly, supporting small didn’t seem as critical. Amazon got faster, box stores got shinier, and local businesses were left wondering, “Where’d everyone go?”
Nostalgia Doesn’t Pay the Bills
Here’s the thing about small businesses—they’re more than a charming part of the community. They’re people’s livelihoods. Yet, time and again, we see beloved local restaurants or shops close their doors after decades of service, and the collective reaction is, “Oh, how sad! I used to love that place.”
Used to.
Let’s be honest: when was the last time you actually visited that local spot? Nostalgia might warm your heart, but it won’t keep the lights on. And as someone knee-deep in the small business grind, let me tell you—it’s not just sad; it’s gut-wrenching.
The Reality of the Hustle
Running a small business is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. It’s not for the faint-hearted. The stress can be monumental, the hours are relentless, and the financial burden? Continue to mind your pennies...
It’s not just the business owner who sacrifices, either. Family, friends, pets—all are dragged along for the wild ride.
Stubbornness, Tenacity, and Sarcasm
Here’s the good news: most small business owners are stubborn as a mule and tenacious as a banshee chasing a wayward soul. We have to be. Selling your product isn’t just about charm; it’s about grit, creativity, and, occasionally, pleading.
One of the best parts of being a small business owner is meeting the other incredible vendors along the way. Seriously, when you go to a farmers' market or artisan event, don’t just shop—listen. The stories behind these businesses are often more fascinating than the products themselves. Each business has its own “why,” and honestly, it’s like a mini reality show with less drama, but more amazing handmade goods. You start to realize we’re all in the same chaotic boat, paddling like mad to make it work, supporting each other along the way. And trust me, once you hear someone's story, you’ll never look at a jar of honey the same way again.
And then there’s the Irish humor that helps get me through tough days. Sure, we’re known for our tales of woe, but we can laugh at ourselves like no one else. “What’s the worst that could happen?” we say, fully prepared for the worst.
Supporting Small, Supporting Local
Here’s the truth: Small Business Saturday shouldn’t be just one day. Supporting small businesses needs to be a way of life. It’s not always as convenient or as cheap, but it’s an investment in your community.
When you buy from a small business, you’re not just buying a product; you’re buying a piece of someone’s dream. You’re helping pay for a foster pups food, a family’s grocery bill, or—let’s be real here—the sanity of a Crazy Chef with a hankering for unique scents alongside his Irish Banshee and German hounds.
So, next time you’re tempted to click “Add to Cart” on a box store website, pause for a moment. Can you find a local shop offering something similar? Could you take a few extra minutes to support the people who are pouring their hearts into what they do?
Because behind every small business is a story—a story of courage, sacrifice, and, yes, the occasional bout of Irish sarcasm.
And if you’re not sure where to start, I happen to know a small business selling culinary-inspired candles that smell incredible... just saying!
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